TWO jet-setting town Rotarians have travelled to Africa on a fact-finding mission.

The Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa Saltway sent Kevin Styles and Stuart Beardsall to Jinja, in Uganda.

Their aim was to investigate the feasibility of their group funding charity efforts by the Jinja Rotary Club.

The adventure was funded by Rotary International and Jinja Rotarians played host to Kevin and Stuart.

Stuart, of Westwood Avenue, said the ten-day mission was unforgettable.

He said: "We had an extremely hectic week visiting projects led by Jinja Rotarians. One of these was a destitute children's project where three-year-olds are living on the streets, foraging in rubbish dumps.

"I was pleased to see Rotary is helping a Dutch charity provide children with a daily meal, a shower, schooling and health care."

The men found one of the country's biggest problems was providing clean water to rural villages.

Families have to carry every drop of water they use for cooking, cleaning and drinking in 20-litre containers. They may have to travel miles each day, carrying containers on their heads.

Rotarians have been working to improve water supply.

Stuart said: "The Government has introduced compulsory primary education and youngsters are keen to learn.

"Lack of classroom space is a huge setback. Many pupils don't have desks and one headteacher's office was outside, under a tree."

Stuart and Kevin also visited an AIDS information base and a women's self help centre. The intrepid pair now want to raise cash to support the charity work in Uganda.

Saltway Rotarians raised £3,000 for local charities last year and now hope to spread their goodwill overseas.

Members are seeking co-operation from Rotary clubs across the district in the hope of launching a fundraising campaign.

Stuart said: "In Uganda, we found a determination to forget the terrible past. We met nothing but kindness and I'll never forget the experience."

4 FRESH HOPE: Stuart Beardsall meets three sisters whose parents died of AIDS. They live alone in the hut behind them. Rotary is building them a new home.